The Nigerian Army has raised alarm that terrorist groups, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), may be planning coordinated attacks on churches, schools, NYSC orientation camps, and other vulnerable public places across the country.
The warning was contained in an official communication dated September 9, 2026, signed by AM Sodiq, and addressed to the General Officer Commanding the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment in Ibadan.
According to the military, intelligence indicates an increasing mobilisation of resources and foot-soldiers by terrorist groups for potential attacks across parts of the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and select areas of the South-West.
The communication cautioned that these attacks could happen at any moment, explicitly identifying Catholic and Protestant churches, primary and secondary schools, NYSC orientation camps, and other vulnerable locations as primary targets.
The Army also disclosed that it received reports regarding the movement of scores of armed fighters from Katsina through Kaduna toward Plateau State.
The Army further noted that suspected ISWAP members have reportedly begun conducting surveillance and reconnaissance activities against these identified targets with the assistance of local collaborators.
The Army expressed particular concern over educational institutions as the 2026/2027 academic session approaches. It noted that terrorists might seek to exploit the return of large numbers of students and teachers to inflict mass casualties and heighten public fear and insecurity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Highlighting that the intelligence suggests the groups have moved beyond the planning stage into active preparation, the Army called for heightened vigilance, increased surveillance, and significantly stronger security measures around all vulnerable facilities and public spaces.